In a blistering attack on the government’s economic management, former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has warned that Sri Lanka is spiraling into an unprecedented cost-of-living disaster beginning with the unlikeliest of staples: salt.
Speaking at a media conference in Colombo, Weerawansa said, “It took 76 years for a packet of salt to become 60 rupees. But in just seven months, it shot up to 400 rupees. This isn’t just inflation it’s daylight robbery!” Accusing the current regime of economic mismanagement and deception, he said the public is being plundered in ways no previous administration dared. “Governments may have stolen before but no one stole a kilo of rice from a packet of salt like this.”
Weerawansa didn’t stop there. He lambasted the administration for consistently blaming former governments for their own failings. “They say they’re free of fraud and corruption. If that’s true, where is the money going?” he asked.
The former minister also issued a dire warning about an impending power crisis. He claimed that despite the Ceylon Electricity Board turning a profit at the end of 2024, it has somehow plunged into loss within just seven months under the current administration. “Now they’re preparing to sell off the Electricity Board. When that happens, the power bill will skyrocket,” he warned, noting that another round of electricity tariff hikes is already on the horizon.
He emphasized that such developments won’t just affect households but could devastate Sri Lanka’s already struggling industrial sector.
In a country where even basic goods like salt are becoming luxuries, Weerawansa’s stark message is resonating widely: if this continues, it won’t just be the salt that’s stolen it will be the people’s futures.
